Stars fire up gas hub protest

Stars fire up gas hub protest - The West Australian

More than 10,000 people marched through Fremantle yesterday in a pre-election protest over the planned Kimberley gas hub.

The Concert for the Kimberley event starred Fremantle-raised roots star John Butler.

He was joined on stage by fellow gas hub opponent Missy Higgins and other protesters against the James Price Point development near Broome.

Butler said the strong turnout indicated the anti-hub campaign remained a key State and Federal election issue.

"The last thing any of us want is the world's largest gas plant being built on that site," the singer said. "This is on par with mining Uluru or drilling the Great Barrier Reef - this is one of the nation's natural treasures."

Higgins, who lives in Broome part-time, said the project had divided the community.

"I really feel like our generation is going to regret it if we lose this," she said.

"It's been very divisive for the community. That's been one of the most heartbreaking things."

Colin Barnett was labelled a "thief" and an "eco-cidal maniac", while others backed a more direct call to action with "arrest Barnett".

Asked what his message to the Premier was, Goolarabooloo man Phil Roe summed up the negative feelings toward the Government.

"Back off," the Broome local said. "We want people to come to the Kimberley and help fight this case."

Former Federal Greens leader Bob Brown took aim at the State and Federal governments.

"Premier Barnett wants to overrun the Kimberley with the obscene," he said.

Mr Barnett and Opposition Leader Mark McGowan declined invitations to appear at the event. Federal Labor MP for Fremantle Melissa Parke was the only major party politician present.